Research Activities

Research Projects

FY 2014/2015 Research Topic: C-27
The Impact of Policies to Promote the Use of Energy-Efficient Appliances in Emerging Asian Economies

Outline

Sustained economic growth and rising incomes in the emerging economies of Asia have been accompanied by an increasing demand for energy. With an eye towards avoiding future energy shortages, many of these countries have adopted policies to promote the use of energy-efficient electrical appliances, such as minimum energy performance standards and mandated labeling of energy consumption information. Some countries have also begun subsidizing the purchase of energy-efficient appliances. This research project evaluates such policies in the context of the air conditioner markets in Japan, China, India, and Thailand. We analyze detailed market data in order to quantify the welfare and energy-consumption impacts of standards, labeling, and subsidies.